September 2013 Events

Coastal wetlands, like these at Parker River National Wildlife Refuge, MA, sustain many living things. Learn about these vital ecosystems at the Wetlands Water Café on August 25 at Don Edwards San Francisco Bay National Wildlife Refuge.

Credit: Kelly Fike/USFWS

Astronomy Night
Sunday, September 1, 7 p.m. — Conboy Lake National Wildlife Refuge, WA
Discover the night sky with a local astronomy expert. On a clear night, see the Milky Way, several planets, man-made satellites and sometimes meteors. A telescope will be available. Feel free to bring a personal telescope or binoculars, as well.

Community Workshop
Wednesday, September 4, 6 to 8 p.m. — Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge, MI
Attend a workshop for new and prospective volunteers interested in habitat management, biology and maintenance positions at the refuge. The event will take place at the Westfield Activities Center in Trenton.

Nature on Film
Thursday, September 5, 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. — Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, NJ
Enjoy lunch and a movie (TBA) at the Helen Fenske Visitor Center. Bring a bag lunch; drinks and cookies will be provided.

Refuge Story Time
Friday, September 13, 10 a.m. — Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge, WV
Join a free monthly series for preschoolers. Topic to be announced. This event will be cancelled if area schools are not in session. Confirm: 304-866-3858.

Virtual Geocaching
Saturday, September 14, 1 to 2 p.m. — Necedah National Wildlife Refuge, WI
Find out what geocaching is all about. Then take part in a geocaching adventure. GPS units are recommended, but low-tech scavenger hunts are also possible.

Wetland Tours
Monday and Tuesday, September 16-17, all day — Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge, MO
Join local fifth- through seventh-grade classmates in hands-on activities to learn about wetland ecosystems.

Fish for Invasive Carp
Monday, August 16 through Monday, August 25 – Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, OR
Bank fish sections of the Blitzen River for invasive carp during Aquatic Awareness Week and help the refuge gather data on the pest. Learn about carp control efforts and other aquatic health research projects. Registration is required and begins at 8 a.m. at the visitor center. Participants age 14 and older need an Oregon state fishing license.

Chickadee Nest Box Workshop
Thursday, September 19, 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. — Audubon National Wildlife Refuge, ND
Build a nesting box for chickadees with pre-cut lumber. Learn about nest box placement, maintenance and the birds that may use the box. Pre-registration is required: 701-442-5474 ext. 117.

Birding and Wildlife Festival
Saturday, September 21, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. — John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge, PA
Take part in bird and plant walks and bus tours. Enjoy vendors, food, music, mascots, live animals and more.

Season of Stars
Saturday, September 21, 7 p.m. — Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, NM
On the eve of the Autumnal Equinox, join amateur astronomers in celebrating New Mexico's dark skies. As the Milky Way arches overhead, discover how Earth and Sky are linked in a cultural tapestry, with examples and stories from across the world. This program is limited to 30 people, ages 8 and up.

Indiana Bat Program Hike
Saturday, September 21, 10 a.m. — Pilot Knob National Wildlife Refuge, MO
Rangers with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and Missouri Department of Natural Resources will guide a hike and discuss the biology of the Indiana bat and the history of Pilot Knob Mountain. The hike comes on the 149th anniversary of the Battle of Pilot Knob, a key Civil War battle in Missouri.

51st Annual Boy Scout International Camporee
Saturday and Sunday, September 21 – 22, all day — Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge, ME
Attend the 51st annual Boy Scout International Camporee. The event is open to all boy scouts in the United States and Canada. Contact the refuge manager in advance: 207-454-7161.

Bird Watching
Sunday, September 22, 8 a.m. — Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge, MD
Join an expert birder for a free guided birdwatching trip in the refuge. All levels of experience are welcome. Bring your binoculars and field guides. No pre-registration is required. All walks begin from the visitor center.

Biking for Birds
Saturday, September 28, 10 a.m. — Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, IL
Join in any of a series of free six-mile bike rides through the refuge and Pere Marquette State Park. Learn some techniques for watching birds along the way. Pick up tips on biking skills and safety. Free bike rentals will be available. Pre-register by September 13: 616-883-2524.

Youth in the Outdoors
Saturday, September 28, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. — Seney National Wildlife Refuge, MI
Get your kids or grandkids into the refuge to explore and learn. Participants, ages 7 to 17, may choose from a variety of sessions. Registration is $5. Pre-registration is required: Call Sara Giles at 906-586-9851 x10 or sara_giles@fws.gov. Some activities may have an additional charge.

Youth Waterfowl Hunting Workshop
Saturday, September 28, 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. − Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, OH
Learn about waterfowl identification, firearm and boating safety and regulations, and wetland conservation. Find out how to create a duck blind, how to set up decoys, how to clean and cook waterfowl. Participants, ages 7 to 14, must be accompanied by a parent, guardian or adult mentor. Register: www.fws.gov/refuge/ottawa More information: 419-898-0014

Fence-B-Gone
Saturday, September 28, 8 a.m. to noon, and 12:30 to 3 p.m. − Desert National Wildlife Refuge, NV
Help deconstruct and remove an unsightly and unneeded fence installed in the ‘60s near Corn Creek Road.

Cars for Critters
Sunday, September 29, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge, OH
Attend a car show featuring animal-name models, such as Roadrunners and Thunderbirds. When you tire of the cars, tour the marsh, learn about wetland conservation, see a live raptor exhibit.